She shivered, not believing there were such lethal plants out here in this jungle.
Soon, night had fallen, and Katrina realized how incredibly dark it had become. Then again, the tall trees canopied the jungle so much that it was difficult sometimes to even see the sky. The group had finished their meal and were all sitting around the fire. Not many of them spoke, but the sounds around them were filled with the voices of other creatures. Owls hooted, monkeys chattered, and frogs croaked...but thankfully, they hadn’t heard the jaguar since the Turri Indians had left.
Felix sat nearby, staring into the orange and red flames of the fire licking the air as the wood popped. His elbows rested on his knees, his head cradled in his hands. He hadn’t talked much after Carlos had delivered the terrible news about the quinine. Felix’s man had taken three others and scoured the area for the specific plants, but only found a few. Felix had reassured the group that these would work for now, but they must keep looking during their journey.
Soon, her eyelids became heavy, and she knew it was time to head back to her tent. It scared her to sleep out here where those unsettling, crawling creatures were so close...and who knew where the jaguar had gone? A shiver swept over her, and she rubbed up and down her arms.
“Are you cold?” Felix questioned in a low voice.
“No.” She looked at him. “I’m just thinking about going to bed.”
“I’ll take you there.” He stood and grabbed a piece of wood that lay halfway in the fire. Using it as a torch, he led her toward her tent. “Make certain you keep the mosquito netting over your bed and the flap to the tent closed at all times. There is a small lantern in your tent as well. Keep it lit low all during the night.”
“Your words are not comforting me very much,” she mumbled as she sluggishly followed him.
“Do not be scared, my dear Katrina,” he told her over his shoulder. “We are all here and will protect you.”
When they reached her tent, he crawled in first. He shook out her blankets, checking for snakes, spiders, or anything else lurking within.
After he lit her lantern, he backed out and stood. “Your tent is clear.”
“Felix, you are not reassuring me that all will be well tonight.”
He reached out and cupped the side of her face. She wanted to cuddle against his palm but resisted.
“I know you’re frightened of the unknown, but I assure you, most of the animals and serpents go to sleep at night as well.”
“I’m certain they do, but I don’t want them sleeping with me.”
He chuckled and stroked her cheek. “Are you afraid of being by yourself?”
Heat crawled up her face, and she feared he’d be able to feel it on his hand. Was he hinting at spending the night with her? The idea did have merit. As unseemly as it was, the simple truth was she would feel safer if someone stayed with her. “What would you do if I said yes?”
He stepped closer. His hand slid from her cheek, down to her throat as his thumb rubbed softly across her skin. Her throat turned dry, and she longed for more of his gentle touch. By now she had stopped wondering why her body always reacted in such a way, because she wanted more of these stirring feelings inside her.
“If you are afraid of being alone, there is only one thing I can do.”
“Wh—what’s that?”
“Stay with you in your tent.”
His voice was so low she wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. “You would do that, even though it’s improper?”
Nodding, he moved even closer—scandalously close. “I shall do all I can to protect you, my dear.”
“I—um, I—” She cleared her throat. “Well, under the circumstances, I believe it’s a good idea to stay with me. After all, I’m not used to the jungle, and you are. I will need a brave, strong man to keep me from harm.”Brave? Strong?Why in Heaven’s name had she used those words? It was a good thing she didn’t tell him he was incredibly handsome, too!
“Yes, you will.” He grinned.
His breath whispered across her face, smelling like the mango fruit they’d eaten earlier. Goodness, she couldn’t take her gaze off his mouth, either. In truth, this was not a good thing at all!
His head lowered slowly. Another kiss would follow soon. She could feel it with every beat of her heart. And she greatly anticipated the warmth they’d share. After their brief kiss at the waterfall, she had yearned for more. His lips hovered next to hers and she held her breath. On her own accord, she puckered and leaned toward him, hoping to meet him halfway. But before she knew what was happening, he straightened and turned back to his men, calling for Carlos. Her hopes dropped and shattered. Perhaps there would be no kiss tonight.
Carlos jumped up from his place by the fire and hurried toward Felix. “Yes?”
“I will be staying in Miss Landon’s tent tonight. I fear she is too frightened to be alone.”
Carlos’ lips twitched as if he was trying not to grin. Katrina wanted to slap him and tell him to mind his own business. Whatever he thought was going to happen in her tent tonight would definitelynothappen.
